PT Natural Java Spice Clove Cesium-137 Injury & Cancer Lawsuit Lawyers

FDA Detects Radioactive Cesium-137 in Imported Cloves, Raising Nationwide Food Safety Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected radioactive cesium-137 contamination in a shipment of cloves from Indonesia. The FDA immediately blocked the shipment, but the discovery underscores a growing pattern of contamination problems tied to some Indonesian food exporters.

For U.S. consumers, the incident highlights how global food supply chains can introduce invisible hazards into everyday products. Even though the contaminated cloves never reached the market, the FDA’s findings reveal vulnerabilities that may warrant legal and regulatory action if contamination is not stopped at the source.

Details of the FDA’s Discovery

During routine inspections at major U.S. ports—including Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Savannah—the FDA found cesium-137 contamination in a shipment of cloves from PT Natural Java Spice, an Indonesian supplier. The contaminated batch registered 732.43 Bq/kg of cesium-137. While this is below the FDA’s “Derived Intervention Level” of 1,200 Bq/kg, the agency took a preventive action by detaining the shipment and adding the supplier to Import Alert #99-51, which blocks future imports until the company proves its products are safe.

This action follows a series of related findings: cesium-137 contamination was detected in frozen shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also in Indonesia. That contamination led to widespread recalls of shrimp sold under multiple U.S. store brands, including Walmart’s Great Value brand and Kroger’s private-label products.

The FDA’s swift response prevented these contaminated cloves from entering the U.S. food supply, but the pattern raises questions about whether similar issues could occur in other shipments or suppliers.

What Is Cesium-137 and Why It Matters

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope produced by nuclear fission. It is used in small amounts to calibrate radiation detection equipment and in medical and industrial devices. External exposure to large amounts can cause burns, radiation sickness, and even death.

When ingested, cesium-137 distributes throughout the body’s soft tissues, particularly muscle, exposing those tissues to beta particles and gamma radiation. This internal exposure increases the risk of cancer and long-term health effects. While the detected level in the cloves was below intervention thresholds, any detection of radioactive material in food triggers immediate concern because repeated exposures, even at low levels, can accumulate risk over time.

Pattern of Contamination From Indonesian Suppliers

The contamination of cloves is not an isolated incident. In August 2025, the FDA warned consumers about cesium-137 contamination in shrimp imported from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. That warning was followed by the recall of approximately 85,000 bags of Kroger-brand and AquaStar shrimp products distributed across 31 states.

The rapid succession of contamination events from Indonesian suppliers reveals systemic food safety failures at the production level. While the FDA’s enhanced screening program has kept contaminated products from reaching U.S. consumers so far, the frequency of detections suggests ongoing problems that could lead to illnesses if even one shipment slips through.

How the FDA’s Import Alert System Works

When the FDA detects contamination in an imported product, it can issue an “Import Alert” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This alert allows the agency to detain shipments at the port without physically inspecting every item.

PT Natural Java Spice and PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati have both been added to Import Alert #99-51 for chemical contamination. This means their shipments of cloves, shrimp, or related products are automatically stopped at U.S. ports unless the companies can demonstrate that the contamination issues have been resolved.

For consumers, this system is the primary safeguard against contaminated imports entering the marketplace. For companies, being placed on an import alert can devastate their ability to sell products in the United States.

Health Implications for U.S. Consumers

The FDA reports that no illnesses have been linked to the contaminated cloves and that the shipment never entered commerce. However, the incident raises serious health concerns:

• Potential Exposure Through Other Products: While this shipment was stopped, others may not be caught in time.
• Cumulative Risk: Even low levels of cesium-137 exposure can increase long-term cancer risks.
• Heightened Vulnerability: Pregnant women, children, and individuals with compromised immune systems are especially sensitive to radioactive contaminants.

The fact that cesium-137 was found at measurable levels in a common spice indicates the need for vigilance by both regulators and consumers.

Legal Rights for Victims of Contaminated Food

If contaminated food enters the U.S. market and causes illness or injury, victims may have grounds to pursue compensation through legal claims. These claims typically involve:

• Product Liability: Holding manufacturers, importers, or distributors responsible for selling unsafe products.
• Negligence: Proving that companies failed to maintain adequate safety and testing standards.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where contamination causes a fatal illness, surviving family members can pursue damages for loss of income, companionship, and other harms.

Even when the contamination originates abroad, U.S. importers and distributors can be held accountable under American law. Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages to deter future misconduct.

Preventing Future Incidents

The FDA’s rapid intervention shows that screening programs can work, but it also reveals the need for stronger international oversight. Consumers can take steps to protect themselves by:

• Checking the FDA’s website for current recalls and import alerts.
• Avoiding products from companies listed on active import alerts.
• Keeping receipts and packaging for food items to help trace potential contamination sources.

Legal action also plays a key role in prevention. Lawsuits brought by victims can pressure companies to adopt higher safety standards and push regulators to close loopholes in oversight.

FAQs About Radioactive Contamination in Food Lawsuits

What is cesium-137, and how can it affect my health?

Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope created by nuclear fission. When ingested, it spreads through the body’s soft tissues, exposing them to radiation. Health effects can include burns, acute radiation sickness, and an increased risk of cancer.

Were contaminated cloves sold in U.S. stores?

No. The FDA detected the contamination before the cloves entered U.S. commerce. The shipment was detained at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port.

Why is the contamination still a concern if the shipment was stopped?

The detection signals potential ongoing contamination at foreign production sites. Even one missed shipment could lead to contaminated food reaching consumers.

What other products have been contaminated with cesium-137?

In recent months, cesium-137 contamination was found in shrimp imported from Indonesia, prompting recalls of multiple store-brand products across the U.S.

Can I file a lawsuit if I get sick from contaminated imported food?

Yes. Victims of foodborne contamination may file product liability or negligence lawsuits against manufacturers, importers, and distributors responsible for the unsafe products.

Do I need to have purchased the exact recalled product to file a claim?

Proof of purchase is helpful but not always necessary. Medical records, public health investigations, and product tracing can also establish a link between your illness and the contaminated food.

What damages can I recover in a food contamination lawsuit?

Victims may recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of death, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one became ill after consuming contaminated food products, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm actively investigating claims involving radioactive contamination and other food safety hazards.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. Our product injury attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.